PEMBROKE, N.C. – Dr. Lisa Lewis Schaeffer has been promoted to vice chancellor for Student Affairs at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Schaeffer has served as interim vice chancellor since July 1, 2015. Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings made the announcement following a vote of approval from the university’s Board of Trustees on Jan. 6.

Cummings touted Schaeffer’s 32 years of experience at UNC Pembroke saying he is pleased to welcome her to his leadership team.

“Having spent most of her life in Robeson County, Dr. Schaeffer knows firsthand the impact our university has in this region,” Cummings said. “She brings a level of personal commitment that, combined with her expertise, is invaluable as UNCP continues to evolve as an institution of choice for North Carolina.”

“A highly effective and inspiring administrator, Dr. Schaeffer has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead a talented team of professionals providing a comprehensive array of invaluable student services and resources,” Cummings said.

Schaeffer said she is honored to have been part of the evolution of the Pembroke campus for the past three decades. She remains dedicated to serving the students and campus community, alike.

“I am fortunate to be part of a talented team in Student Affairs who work daily to execute our commitment to the values of our institution,” Schaeffer said. 

“It is an exciting time to serve UNC Pembroke,” she said. “I have experienced the ability to serve our students on many levels throughout my tenure at UNC Pembroke. I believe in higher education, and I believe in the impact our campus has on the lives of our students.”

“Chancellor Cummings, the Board of Trustees, and the university leadership are passionate about our students,” she said. “I’m thrilled with this opportunity to be part of the future of our institution.’’

In her role, Schaeffer serves an advocate for student rights, issues and concerns, supports and values racial and cultural diversity, and promotes student learning and personal growth opportunities for all students.

As a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet, Schaeffer supervises a staff of 114 and manages 13 departments, including the Career Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Involvement and Leadership, Campus Recreation, Student Health Services, Housing and Residence Life, and Police and Public Safety.

The vice chancellor is the chief advocate for all departments within Student Affairs and communicates their importance in relation to the university’s mission, student success initiatives, and retention efforts.

Schaeffer began her career in the Admission’s Office in 1984, working as an admissions counselor, assistant director, then associate director. From 1989 to 2002 she served as director of Career Services. In 2002, she was promoted as associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs. Also, for six years she assumed the role of chief student judicial officer.

She served as interim vice chancellor for Student Affairs from 2012 to 2013 and again in 2015.

“We are excited to open a new Student Health Services building this spring, though we recognize other space allocation and facility challenges are on our horizon as the campus grows,” Schaeffer said.  

Schaeffer said she will continue providing support for staff development and training to ensure we are best serving our students.

“We are working to expand our reach to better connect with the distance education population, and we are looking forward to strengthening our collaborative approach with various departments on campus to cultivate student success and retention."

A native of Fairmont, Schaeffer earned her Bachelor of Arts in sociology, a Master's in counseling and her Doctorate in educational administration, all from Campbell University. She also holds a degree from Peace College.

At UNCP, Schaeffer has served on dozens of organizations and committees, including the 2014 Chancellor Search Committee. She has received several honors, including the James B. Chavis Award at UNC Pembroke and the Distinguished Alumna Award at Campbell University.

“Each day I am inspired by the genuine sense of community, and dedication our Student Affairs’ staff has for our students. I am exceptionally fortunate to be a member of this university, and feel blessed in so many ways.”

Schaeffer is married to former UNCP men's soccer coach, Mike Schaeffer. He retired in 2009 after coaching more than 30 years at UNCP. They have one son, Ethan.